The Substitute Teacher Mindset: A student-centered approach. 

When working substitute teacher jobs, the school day can be anything but typical. From fire drills and challenging students to finding the lunchroom and locating lesson plans, you can’t always plan for what the day will bring. As with all things in life, only so much is within your control. 

While you thrive in such a busy, impactful career, it’s easy to burn out or feel overwhelmed. Having the right substitute teacher mindset will help offset the unpredictability of the classroom. It will also make the job more sustainable and, subsequently, make you a more effective teacher.  

Let’s look at how you can maintain a positive student-centered mindset. 

Stick to the basics.

Your number one responsibility as a substitute teacher is to supervise students and ensure a safe learning environment. Following the core substitute teacher duties and responsibilities is essential to maintaining classroom order. 

In a teacher’s absence, your presence and attitude count more than anything else. It’s okay if you don’t deliver the best lesson plan of all time. You might not be an expert in geometry or physics. And hey, maybe you forgot a student’s or teacher’s name. It happens. Your primary job is to keep students safe and facilitate the lesson plan. 

Make time for self-care.

Substitute teaching demands patience and confidence, but you can’t bring your A-game if you’re tired, stressed, or burnt out. To master a positive substitute teacher mindset and be a role model for students, you must first take care of yourself. Identify and prioritize your own self-care needs: 

• Go to sleep early the night before a teaching assignment. 

• Eat breakfast and drink plenty of water. 

• Find ways to build mindful practices throughout the school day. Think brief meditations or quick yoga routines. 

Put the students first.

Once you’re in a good spot, you can spend the day giving your full attention to the students’ needs.  

Prioritize safety: The classroom should be a physically and emotionally safe place for everyone. Model effective communication and actions that emphasize student safety.  

Lessons: When facilitating a lesson plan, put yourself in your students’ shoes. What might help them understand the material? How can you explain concepts differently? 

Engagement: Be curious about your students. Ask questions and show you’re interested in their progress. Being approachable makes a big difference. 

Be responsible.

Bring the “role model” mindset with you every day. Students should look up to you. So, don’t try to be overly cool to win them over. You’re not there to make friends with them. Here are a few ways that you’ll demonstrate that you are responsible.  

• Arrive prepared: Follow the dress code. Be on time. Review the material. Familiarize yourself with the classroom layout and rules.  

• Stick to the lesson plan: If the regular teacher left you a lesson plan, use it. Don’t make significant changes to it or do your own thing without checking with an administrator. 

• Be consistent: Take attendance. Follow the teacher’s classroom management policies and ensure everyone treats each other respectfully. Take notes and report any incidents to the regular teacher. 

Remain flexible.

The best substitute teachers know that working in schools means a bit of unpredictability. What could go sideways? A student gets sick in the middle of the classroom, a storm brings recess indoors, or a surprise school assembly—they all happen. A flexible mindset helps you react when you need to pivot. 

Have a backup plan: The teacher might not leave a lesson plan, the technology might not work, or the fire alarm might go off. Be ready to change things up. Here are a few ideas when substituting for different academic subjects or elective classrooms. 

Keep pace with your students: If students struggle with a concept, don’t be afraid to slow down or try a different explanation. Remember, student learning comes first. 

Adjust your teaching style: Every classroom has its own vibe, so adapt your teaching according to the group dynamics. 

Dress appropriately: You might find yourself supervising recess, sitting on the carpet, or even moving classroom furniture to accommodate an activity. Make sure you wear comfortable, yet professional clothing that allows you to adapt to the physical demands of the day. Pro tip: Always wear comfortable shoes. 

Practice rational detachment.

This is often easier said than done. Don’t take things personally. Your success as a substitute teacher doesn’t depend on whether the students master the lesson.  

Do your best. Then, understand that individuals ultimately learn at their own pace. Your positive impact on students will extend much farther than the one lesson you facilitated on any given day. 

Be empathetic. If a student challenges you or disengages from the class, approach them from a place of empathy and support. They may be experiencing a difficult situation at home or struggling with a personal problem. Their opposition likely has nothing to do with you. 

Don’t bring the classroom home. Part of the reason you’re a substitute teacher is for the job flexibility. You’ve chosen a career that allows space for your life outside of the classroom. You need a work-life balance. Once you leave school, don’t overanalyze your day. 

More substitute teaching tips from Kelly Education. 

Want more resources to help you in the classroom? We’ve got a whole library of teaching tips. Here are just a few:

• Classroom Management for Substitute Teachers
• A Day in the Life of a Substitute Teacher
• What to Wear as a Substitute Teacher  

If you or someone you know is interested in substitute teaching jobs, fill out our brief interest form. One of our recruiters will contact you to share more about the requirements and process to work at one of our partner schools. 

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